Methane conversion to C2 hydrocarbons in solid electrolyte membrane reactors

Solid electrolyte membrane reactors (SEMRs) have been used to both study and influence catalytic reaction rates. Methane coupling is the reaction most thoroughly and intensively studied in these membrane reactors. In the last 20 years, oxygen ion (O2-), proton (H+) and mixed (O2--e(-), H+-e(-)) conducting membranes have been tested in order to maximize the conversion of methane to C-2\ compounds. The present review contains the fundamental operating principles of the various SEMR types and their applications in this reaction. The difficulties that should be overcome in order to promote this SEMR process to an industrial scale are discussed.